Despite a deceiving record of 5-3-3, the boys soccer team has been playing its best soccer in years, according to senior captain Quinn Hodgkiss.

“We’re working hard and we’re playing the best soccer we’ve played in awhile,” Hodgkiss said. “The next few weeks will define our chances in the state tournament.”

Despite several losses and ties to powerhouse teams such as Medina Highland and Padua Franciscan, senior Dante D’Avello believes the team is just as good, if not better, than the victorious teams.

“We definitely have a state-caliber team this year,” D’Avello said. “We just need to prove it in the next few games.”

The true test is still to come with games against strong competitors likely dictating post-season success or failure. Senior striker and captain Ellis Thompson agrees and thinks the remainder of the season will be based on upcoming performances.

“We’re really hitting the meat of our season now,” Thompson said. “We’ll need to step up our game in the next couple matches, especially with Walsh and Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy coming up.”

Although the losses were close, there were several components missing. Senior Paul Blischak described the necessary improvements.

“We’re an energetic and passionate team, but we’ve been having some trouble keeping the ball on the ground and possessing it,” Blischak said. “If we can get our passing under control, we can create more scoring opportunities.”